What would folks recommend in a handmeter, spot or ambient?
I have used 3 meters so far - Sekonic L-308, L-328 & Minolta IV F. I like the L328 more for its size and fast switch-on response. However, it died after 2-3 yrs of light use, and have the tendency to switch on itself in bag (slide switch on the edge of the meter). The service centre said there were hairline cracks on the circuit boards and need to be replaced (costed about as much as a new meter). I opened the meter and checked it for myself but saw nothing wrong, no hairline. What I saw was poor wiring work that cross each other. The circuit boards were poorly made and low quality as well. I have been using the Minolta IV F since. The wiring and circuit boards of the Minolta are very neat and well made. Clearly much better designed and manufactured. The circuit boards are much thicker and similar to those for PC. They should withstand impact much better. However, after spending 3+ years with this meter, I still miss the size of the L328. The IV F also takes a slightly long to switch on too. Oh... about the L308, it's pretty much like a strip down version of L328, except without the swing head which was prone to crack (and it did actually). But then the L328 was a pretty old design so it is possible that the recent Sekonic meters were designed and built with Minolta standard, I don't know.
regards, Alan Chan
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